Ghanaian asylum seeker has successfully argued that the severe trauma he experienced after contracting COVID-19 in the UK warrants his continued stay, winning a human rights claim. Winfred Kwabla Dogbey, 52, was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following a critical battle with the virus in 2020 that resulted in multiple organ failure and hospitalization.

Mr. Dogbey told the Upper Tier Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber that he continues to suffer from ‘post COVID-19 syndrome’ and is currently enrolled in a rehabilitation program designed for individuals impacted by the outbreak.

Crucially, the tribunal heard evidence that such specialized treatment and support for post-COVID conditions is “practically non-existent” in Ghana, and that the available psychiatric care is “insufficient” to meet Mr. Dogbey’s needs.

The panel concluded that a return to Ghana would likely lead to a “rapid and severe decline in his mental health” due to the lack of appropriate medical care for his PTSD and ongoing post-COVID complications. As a result, Mr. Dogbey has won his claim to remain in the United Kingdom on human rights grounds.

The tribunal documents revealed that Mr. Dogbey initially arrived in the UK on a visa in April 2013. He subsequently claimed asylum in June 2016. Following the refusal of his initial asylum application, there was a “protracted history of lodging further submissions” before this latest successful human rights claim.

The panel noted the severity of Mr. Dogbey’s COVID-19 experience, highlighting his hospitalization and need for critical care after contracting the virus in May 2020. This severe illness and its lasting psychological impact formed the basis of his successful appeal to remain in the UK. The case underscores the potential long-term and profound impact of COVID-19, extending beyond physical health to significant mental health consequences that can be relevant in immigration and asylum proceedings.